Investigation, evaluation, and priority ranking of natural areas

doi:10.1016/0006-3207(75)90033-6

Biological Conservation

Volume 8, Issue 2, September 1975, Pages 79-88

https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-3207(75)90033-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

Texas experience suggests that amateur naturalists will be heavily involved in preliminary ecological surveys of natural areas, hence a simple key for identification of community-types is presented. Line intercept transects are suggested for amateur use in providing standardised quantitative data on the physiognomy of natural areas. A scheme for the evaluation of each area utilises the weighted values of climax condition, educational suitability, species significance, community representation, and human impact through multiplicative scoring to give a natural area score. With the weighted values-multiplicative scoring scheme, natural areas are clearly distinguished in priority for acquisition.

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^☆: Paper presented at the symposium, The Natural Areas of Texas, sponsored by the Texas Academy of Science, 1 March 1974.

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Investigation, evaluation, and priority ranking of natural areas☆

Abstract

Biol. Conserv.

A resource inventory and planning system for wildlife areas

J. Wild Mgmt

The Dallas Ecological Study

A classification of vegetation for general purposes

Vegetation of the Guadalupe Escarpment, New Mexico-Texas

Ecology

An ecological reflection on cave conservation

The use of natural areas to establish environmental baselines

Biol. Conserv.

A procedure for evaluating environmental impact

Circ. US geol. Surv.